The push to fast-track the Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (MROTC) bill has sparked growing concerns about its potential impact on students’ education and character development, leading opposition groups to voice skepticism about the possible reinstatement of the program.

Amid the growing support for the bill by both the upper and lower houses of Congress, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel urges lawmakers and citizens not to forget the bloody past of MROTC, referencing the death of Mark Welson Chua in 2001 after exposing the corruption of its school’s military training program. 

As one of its principal authors, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said that the House shifted its emphasis on the bill, recognizing its cruciality in the youth’s interest by prioritizing it. 

“With the President’s go signal, the ROTC bill has been moved to Tier 1 from Tier 2 in the list of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) – making it a top priority. So, when the session resumes, we expect to discuss it right away,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino stated numerous reasons justifying the bill’s passing, ranging from territorial disputes to cultivating patriotism within the youth, citing the bill’s possible effects. 

“Our concerns in the West Philippine Sea are not just about maritime issues but reflect the mindset of our society. If our youth develop a stronger sense of patriotism, I believe it will greatly help our country.”

However, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero raised concerns about the financial feasibility of implementing the ROTC bill, pointing out that it would cost taxpayers P27.12 billion to implement it fully.

“The biggest question is, can we find P8 billion to fund the mandatory ROTC? That can actually fund a lot of things like education and health,” Escudero said during a Senate forum. 

Various groups opposed the recent developments of the bill, such as the Alliance of Concerned Teachers-Philippines (ACT-Philippines), urging lawmakers to prioritize improving the nation’s quality of education rather than immediate militarization of students. 

Furthermore, retired Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin, who is vying for a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections, voiced his support for the revival of mandatory ROTC during ABS-CBN’s Harapan 2025.

“Ang reason kasi na tinanggal yan noon kasi may namatay yata na ROTC cadet. Pero para bang ito yung pag-address nila na solusyon na ang pinapatay mo lang yung daga eh, sinunog mo yung bahay.”

ROTC Cadet exposes alleged hazing, seeks justice 

Amid the fast-tracking of the bill, a cadet within the ROTC program of Siliman University, Dumaguete, has brought forward serious allegations of physical abuse, intimidation, and wrongful accusations, seeking justice and accountability for their mistreatment.

Cadet Camillus Cataluna claimed, through a post last February 4, 2024, to have been subjected to violent hazing, including being forced to roll in the dirt, perform physical tasks outside the standard ROTC protocol, and endure coercive tactics that appeared to exceed disciplinary measures.

He was allegedly made to hold rifles in a T-pose for extended periods and even suffered physical punishment, including being punched in the stomach.

“The incident bothered me a lot, as I know there are other ways to discipline without using violence or abuse of power,” Cataluna stated.

Cataluna’s experiences have not only caused personal harm but have also sparked broader concerns regarding the ethics and legality of actions within the ROTC program.

“The actions I experienced may align with the elements of hazing, maltreatment, and abuse of authority as outlined under Philippine law. In other words, these incidents raise concerns regarding hazing, abuse of authority, and potential violations of my rights under Philippine law,” Cataluna said.

Cataluna has also made it clear that he will persistently seek justice until accountability is ensured. As the investigation unfolds, Cataluna remains hopeful that the necessary legal and institutional measures will be taken to ensure that no other cadet faces similar mistreatment in the future.

Ateneo NSRC President opposes ROTC, advocates for stronger NSTP Act

Ateneo De Davao University National Service Reserve Corps (ADDU-NSRC) President Katherine Nicole Consuegra emphasized how the current National Service Training Program (NSTP) curriculum aligns with the University’s core values to foster holistic education and social responsibility.

Consuegra expressed concerns that replacing NSTP with a militarized ROTC program would harm students’ character formation.

“One of the core values of a holistic education that Ateneo de Davao provides for personal development is to become men and women for others… the NSTP in Ateneo’s curriculum is a great platform to practice becoming men and women for others. Withdrawing this avenue for compassion and immersion in the university and replacing it with a more militarized education undermines Fr. Arrupe’s call,” Consuegra said.

Consuegra argued that the focus on MROTC, with its emphasis on military and national defense, limits the scope of youth involvement in defense-related issues and undermines their broader national responsibilities. 

“Narrowing the youth’s role into military and national defense alone can strip them of their other national responsibilities for empowering literacy, community welfare, and environmental protection… Seeing that students immerse with communities in need every Saturday, hiking to plant trees, and being educated about substance abuse and prevention, among other things, is already a presentation of love and devotion to the country.”

Conseguera suggested that strengthening the existing NSTP Act of 2001 would be a more effective approach than implementing mandatory ROTC.

The MROTC bill has already reached its second reading, with its last interpellation back on July 31 in the House of Senate, while the House of Representatives’ version of the bill has already been passed to its third and final reading.